Poetry

Standing Tall

Not many bother anymore

Seldom hear that knocking at the door

Sure do miss a friendly "hello;"

Open friends sometimes close their minds.

But there's no bending of the knee

Even though these legs do so easily tire,

Because these arms are made of iron

And this chair has wheels of fire. *

Nursing Home

Reduced to

Three drawers

And a dresser,

Could have been

Something by definition

But reduced to nothing

By the system. *

Moving On

Desert dancing

Somewhat west of Phoenix

Route 66 whispers

A knowing lullaby

Moonlit Texaco star sways

Not too far overhead

---Thinking only about seeing

Another days untethered miles. *

Morning

Sun rising up

Moon going down

Body slipping away;

It's just another crippled dawn

With such dues to pay. *

Such An Eve

Torn curtain

Heat down low

Forty watt bulb

No one around

Scarf on neck

Can of soup.

Just waiting for the night

To sleep it all away. *

Going Home

Swim the River Jordan

Walk that Jericho Road

Climb Mount Zion

Hear the Sermon on the Mount

See the Bright Morning Star,

And break down all bondage walls

---Pass into the Kingdom's Halls. *

Shades Of Blue

You just had to go your lonesome way

So quiet, yet so much to say

Since you've left, I've grown so small

Both inside and out, cheap talk seems tall

To be like you, I wish that I could

Try to stand, where you once stood

But you have your ways, and I have mine

We'll meet again --- at some other time.

Street

Weathered and forgotten man

Papered on an open bench

Moves much of his world

Pushing a rusted shopping cart

Never complains or talks too much

Counts pieces of his life in the dark

He sometimes sits and longingly waits

Often looking toward the Eastern Gate. *

So It Goes

If I could only get near that paradise bridge

Anyone could safely bet,

That I would find it easy

To rearrange the inevitable sunset

And even if I had the defensive heart

Of a stone gunfighter,

I'd gladly trade those ways

For some clearer days and some times that were lighter

Yet, still like most, I'll probably spend

An extended part of my designated time,

Somewhere between the pain of the trial

And the thought of the crime. *

Writer

With the straight and narrow line,

An attempt is made to depict some better times

Often the facts don't appear as they really are,

Occasionally a cinder can become a bright and shining star

A measure of hope can make any attempt worthwhile,

Defeat becomes meaningless after so many trials.

Women Hold Up Half The Sky

Regal as an eagle
Gentle as a dove,
Compassion deeper
Than any ocean
And as high as the clouds above.

Progenitors of generations
Yet to come,
Who nurse and teach
Till their days are done,
And who can deny
That the loving arms of women
Reach out---
To hold up half the sky?*

Friends

Take the time to remember me

May your reflections keep you warm company

Sometimes let yourself live that older flow

When neither of us practiced such rigid control

And if those thoughts will fill your mind

See to it that they are peaceful and kind.~

Tempered Supplication

Remember as it was before---

The silent talking

Beyond the open door,

The absolute attitude

Of a grace filled day,

The taking of time

To know a better way,

The truly innocent

Petitioning simple and plan;

Joy filled thoughts

Of serenity regained. *

Estimated Practitioner

Egotistical as the Titanic

Humanitarian for a quick hire

Serpent handler often deluxe

Underassistant bootleg starch white

Maximum useless front street barker.

You're just an eager flatline runner

---Another soulless crop mentality gunner.*

Painted Rabbits

Weighted like lead

With franchised beliefs

On tiny shoulders,

And never to get up

To live life any bolder.*